Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert not keen on Shay Given loan move

The Villa boss dismissed suggestions that he would be sending Shay Given on loan arguing that the presence of two quality goalkeepers is an incentive for them to improve

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has revealed that he is not keen on the idea of sending Shay Given on loan.

Former Republic of Ireland international Given has played in just two league games this season, with United States international Brad Guzan emerging as the preferred number one choice under Lambert, leading to suggestions that the 36-year-old is seeking a loan move in order to secure first-team football.

However, former Norwich City boss Lambert is happy with the current situation and believes that having two goalkeepers is essential, since they 'push each other'.

"Has there been any interest in Given? I haven't a clue," Lambert told reporters. "Honestly, I've not had that conversation and he hasn’t said. I’m just happy to have two quality goalkeepers here.

"Am I tempted to send Given on loan? No, I wasn't tempted," he added. "You need the two of them to push each other. The fact Brad [Guzan] has got Shay breathing down his neck, I’m sure is driving him on," concluded Lambert.

Aston Villa face Lambert's old club Norwich in the quarter final of the Capital One Cup, today, Tuesday December 11. Kick off 19:45 BST.